Expert: Lorry - 1/11/2006

Question
Hello
I have a computer that was bought in 1998 which runs windows ME and has done so relatively problem-free since switching from 98 a little while ago.

For the last few weeks, when we try to start it, it doesn't get past the "verifying dmi pool data" during the start-up phase.  I have tried using the start-up floppy that I created when installing ME, and following the steps here, am also not able to start up even in safe mode.  I have tried the option of trying to re-install ME- again with the help of the start-up disk.  It then tries to scan the system registry and comes with a message saying "windows setup requires 15728640 bytes available on your c: drive".  When I tried to change to c drive and look at the directory, it tells me "invalid media type reading drive c; abort, retry, fail".  

I guess the bottom line here is that my computer no longer reads my hard drive(?)  Do you have any suggestions on how this might be fixed and if it is likely to be virus related or perhaps just old age.

Thanks for your time.  You are generous to volunteer your expertise to help others.  

Answer
Hi Mark,

Regarding the "windows setup requires 15728640 bytes available on your c: drive" error, the following site explains what to do:

http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000688.htm

Cyberwalker explains also at:

http://www.cyberwalker.net/columns/sep00/210900.html

Hope this helps!
Lorry